NSF Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing RET Program
What is the RET program?
The NSF-funded Research Experience for Teachers (RET) at Bowling Green State University is a six-week summer program for high school and community college STEM educators designed to:
- Engage educators in hands-on research
- Increase interest in STEM-related fields
- Enhance teaching through real-world applications in robotics and advanced manufacturing
- Support the development of instructional modules to bring cutting-edge STEM content into classrooms
The program typically takes place in June and July. Participants usually come to campus Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and attend remotely on Friday.
Participating educators will:
- Collaborate with BGSU faculty and graduate students on research projects.
- Attend curriculum development workshops, research presentations and industry tours.
- Design and implement a classroom-ready instructional module based on their research.
- Receive Ohio Professional Development verification for LPDC approval.
- $6,000 stipend paid at the end of the program
- $200 travel stipend paid at the end of the program. (Participants must arrange their own housing.)
- $500 bonus for implementing the instructional module during the following academic year
- Lunch and snacks provided during on-campus days
- Supplies and equipment to support classroom implementation
- Current high school or community college educators teaching STEM subjects
- Must be available for the full six-week program
- Must commit to implementing the instructional module in the following academic year
Twelve high school or community college educators will be selected for the program.
- Online application
- Personal statement – Briefly describe how you plan to use this research experience in your professional development and your interest in implementing the instructional module in your course curriculum.
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of reference:
- One from a school administrator (principal, chair or director)
- One from another professional or colleague
No transcripts required.
- Submit the online application. Applications usually open in January each year.
- You will need to create an account on Research.gov to complete the application. Consult the ETAP Help Desk at etaphelp@nsf.gov with questions.
- Submit all required documents by April 1.
- The RET team will review application materials and evaluate whether you meet program requirements and criteria.
- We also consider whether high school or community college educators are eligible to work in the U.S. and whether they:
- Teach STEM subjects in marginalized communities or to underrepresented students
- Are marginalized educators teaching STEM subjects
- The RET team will conduct a phone interview with selected applicants.
- We will notify all applicants of decisions by early April.
Updated: 09/23/2025 03:43PM